Koshare Dancers celebrate anniversary with special weekend events

Thursday

Jul 18, 2013 at 10:43 AMJul 18, 2013 at 11:01 AM

The Koshare Dancers of La Junta, Colorado have been great ambassadors for their small community for eight decades. On July 25 through 27, they will gather together once more to celebrate their 80th anniversary.

By Susie Sarlo

The Koshare Dancers of La Junta, Colorado have been great ambassadors for their small community for eight decades. On July 25 through 27, they will gather together once more to celebrate their 80th anniversary.

The story started in 1933 when a group of Boy Scouts decided they wanted to learn more about the American Indians that had lived in southeastern Colorado. Many of the boys were from farming and ranching families and had seen evidence of previous inhabitants through canyon drawings and arrowheads. So they started a club. That club grew to be a wonderful leadership development program for boys and girls as well as an internationally recognized interpretive dance group.

Festivities begin Friday, July 26, when the Koshares join with another long-standing cultural arts group in La Junta, the Picketwire Players, who are celebrating their 45th anniversary this year. After a wine reception at The Barista, Koshare alumni will attend Picketwire's summer musical.

Additional activities for the Koshares' 80th anniversary celebration are listed below. Reservations close July 18. For the entire package, the cost is $135 per adult, $100 for students and children. Contact Susie Sarlo through email (susie.sarlo@ojc.edu) or by calling (925) 286-1025.

Friday, July 26

6 p.m. Wine Reception at The Barista, 204 Santa Fe Ave.

Silent Auction Begins

7:30 p.m. Picketwire Players Production of "Urinetown: The Musical"

Saturday, July 27

10 a.m. Velino Herrera Murals: Unveiling the recent restoration of these great works of art that surround the Koshare Kiva walls. Discussions with Koshare Indian Museum Executive Director, Jeremy Manyik, and art conservator, Victoria Montana Ryan. Coffee and pastries in the Kiva (18th and Santa Fe Avenue on the Otero Junior College campus). Catered by The Barista.10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regalia Display in the Koshare Kiva10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Silent Auction ContinuesNoon Mexican Food Luncheon on Rattler Field (north of the Kiva). Catered by Carmen's Restaurant2 p.m. Dance Practice in the Kiva3:30 a.m. Discussion with Alumni about the Future of the Koshare Program by Program Director David Scott Balicki5:30 p.m. BBQ Dinner on Rattler Field. Catered by El Capitan Restaurant7 p.m. Koshare Show, followed by a photograph of all attending Koshare Dancers

Tours of the Museum will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Noon on Sunday.Entrance to Bent's Old Fort throughout the weekend is included in registration.Special Thanks to the Koshare Foundation Trustees, La Junta Gun Club, Koshare Indian Museum staff, Nancy Harrison, Elite Advertising and the many people who have donated to the Velino Herrera restoration fund over the years.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.